In the last people were often reliant for their survival on the generosity of others. The young man, who became St Nicholas, lost both his parents due to a plague. Maybe he realised that money itself was not a guaranteed source of security. Instead he turned to the advice of Jesus and sold his inheritance and gave the proceeds to those in need. One such recipient was a poor widower with three unmarried daughters. With no money, he could not afford dowries nor could he afford to look after them. The remaining option was slavery. Nicholas came under cover of dark and threw three bags of money through the window of their house, and saved the family from destitution.
Some 1700 years later and people still find themselves trapped in poverty and needing to count on the generosity of others. This time of year many charities that provide relief look to us for funds.
A gift secretly given, needing no receipt.
A gift freely bestowed -no strings attached
A gift that meets your needs, no questions asked,
nor application forms to fill
A gift to free your children from poverty
A gift to restore – not diminish – your pride
A gift you do not have to earn.
St Nicholas’s gift.
The Green Tau 